Ford returns the Puma. But not as a small car coupe, but in much more contemporary style.
Mini SUVs are smart, but often not very practical. The Ford Puma now wants to combine both. The Fiesta-based crossover will start this fall with a new trunk concept.
Visually, the 4,19 meter long Puma as a sporty counter-concept to the other mini-SUV of Cologne, the edgy designed, already 2014 introduced Ecosport. The front with the friendly almond-shaped headlights is reminiscent of the compact SUV Kuga, the flat waistline and the accented rear wheel arches remind a little of the 90er-year small car coupe, from which the Puma has inherited his name. Inside, the new is based on comfort and technology, including massage seats, digital instruments and Wi-Fi hotspot.
Not to be seen at first glance is the new trunk: Under the rather generous cargo space, where usually the spare wheel stored, there is a 80 liter large plastic box with integrated water drain. Because it is thus easy to clean, it is particularly suitable for the transport of dirty objects - such as rubber boots or sports equipment. The box can also be used quite simply to increase the cargo space to 456 liter. Locking the open loading floor, for example, can transport two upright golf bags in the small Ford.
When driving the Puma sets first on the three-cylinder petrol engine of the Fiesta. The basic engine is an 1,0-liter engine with 92 kW / 125 PS, ranked above a 114 kW / 155 PS strong expansion stage, which - for the first time at Ford - relies on 48-volt hybrid technology. Later, an 92 kW / 125 PS powerful 1,5-liter four-cylinder diesel supplements the offer. Even a "ST" sports version with around 200 PS is conceivable. All-wheel drive, however, is not provided. For power transmission, in addition to a manual six-speed transmission, a dual-clutch transmission with seven gears is available.
The arsenal of assistants is quite extensive for a small car. Among other things, there is an adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assistant and lane pilot. In addition, a cloud-based hazard warning system, which Ford models use to warn each other of accident locations on the route, is moving in.
At least initially, the Puma is not intended as a substitute for ecosport. Both models address different customers according to Ford's point of view and are not priced at a level either. An exact amount of the manufacturer does not yet, the Puma but should start above the just 19.000 Euro of Ecosport.